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29 Oct 2008

Stepping Out(HKTDC Gifts, Premium & Stationery, Vol 04,2008)

Electronic Gifts

Jasonic (HK) Electronics Co Ltd is perfectly poised to take advantage of the trend for light electronics gifts and premiums

Small electronic gifts are fast muscling their way to the top of the hit list in the gifts and premiums sector, and Hong Kong manufacturers are leading the charge. Among them is Jasonic (HK) Electronics Co Ltd, which believes it is perfectly poised to take every advantage of the trend.

"When we started out, in 2000, audio products were very popular with gifts and premiums buyers," says Marketing Manager Jin Cheung. "Production centred on FM-scan radios, LED clocks with radios and similar useful items. Our business in such lines took us into worldwide sales."

Today, though, in a market that of necessity seeks constant novelty and change, simple audio products have fallen from their perch. Not surprisingly, Jasonic has moved on.

"Quite a lot has changed, and today many people have a mobile phone complete with radio, which really killed the miniature radio market," says Mr Cheung.

At present, its best-selling range of products is pedometers and the company is busily putting together new lines for lighting products and computer accessories.

"We have a variety of attractive torches and lamps, while the surge in desktop computing also offers new opportunities," Mr Cheung says, hinting that Jasonic will be very active in the computer segment.

"Our computer accessories line at present includes products such as ever-popular USB flash drives and hubs, and we also offer Internet phones," Mr Cheung says.

"We feel that we are able to offer quality and diversity, with clients able to choose among our products in the knowledge that they are all well made," he further insists. "We do our own R&D, and we have our own customised chipsets manufactured in Taiwan."

Broad market appeal

He announces that Jasonic is looking to move into the retail market for computer peripherals. "We are developing some products for the high end," he reveals. "These are special executive gifts and we see broad market appeal for them, possibly outside the regular gifts and premiums zone."

He also remains excited about the prospects for pedometers. "The range varies from bicycle types to those that also monitor body fat, heartbeat and pulse rates, and are perfect gifts in an age where people are very much into staying healthy and checking their body functions," Mr Cheung says.

For example, model CR-726 is a multifunction pedometer that features a large display for easy viewing, has a step count feature and calculates calories and distance travelled. It comes in various colours and measures 50x27x46mm. The unit is powered by a single Ag13 button cell battery.

Also popular is model CR-760, which is a hybrid dual-power pedometer, with both solar and battery support. It measures 40x28x45mm. Model CR-768 is also a dual-power pedometer, but one that has a flip top. This model measures 50x28x45mm.

"As premiums, these items are suitable for companies wanting to encourage their staff in health matters, with activities such as seeing who walks the most in a day and so on. People can wear our pedometers and at the same time have some fun among themselves."

Product protection

Jasonic does not yet utilise an in-house brand name. "Despite that, buyers tell us that they quickly recognise our products," smiles Mr Cheung. "However, we are presently taking legal action against firms who are copying our designs. We have our patents, largely to protect our customers from being sued and also from buying poor quality counterfeits."

On the marketing front, Jasonic participates in three exhibitions each year: two in the electronics sector and the other in the gifts, premiums and stationery field.

"The Internet also plays a role in marketing and sales, but most customers like to see the products in person and to try them out. We also prefer to meet clients face-to-face," says Mr Cheung.

"Our busy time of year starts before the summer holidays as it's important having items ready for buyers who are carrying out product selection for the following year's catalogue," he adds.

Whatever the call, there is clearly plenty of scope for Jasonic's light electronic products.

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